Back in the prehistoric Iron Age, the other end of the Hill had a similarly defensive role. A grouping of fortified structures occupies the top of the western slopes of the Rarichies, Easter and Wester, above Shandwick.

The main fortification commands extensive views that look directly along the coast and over to the great seventh-century Pictish coastal fortress at Burghead, near Forres. Cultural continuity of a defensive site is shown here also for the central fortification at Easter Rarichie later acquired, but still in prehistoric times, a secondary ‘dun’ built within its ramparts.